Is it possible to recycle used hearing aids? The answer is always the same whether you decide to update to a more sophisticated model like cochlear implants or you got them from a deceased family member: donate your pre-owned hearing aids instead of throwing them away.

There are several organizations that acquire and distribute used hearing aids to individuals who could really use them, and there are plenty of people who need them. Read on to discover why it’s important to donate your pre-owned hearing aid and learn how you can go about it.

Why You Should Look Into Donating Your Pre-Owned Hearing Aids

First, here are a few important statistics about loss of hearing and hearing aids in the US:

• Of the total populace, around 14% have some kind of hearing loss
• 91% of adults who have loss of hearing are above the age of 50
• There is evidence of hearing loss in 15% of school aged children
• Hearing aids would benefit almost 29 million adults with loss of hearing, but…
• …only 16% (4.6 million) of them actually make use of hearing aids
• The average age for first-time hearing aid users is 70, but again…
• Less than 30% of individuals over 70 who require hearing aids have ever used them

I think we should be worried. Because health issues like cognitive decline, greater risk of falling, and depression have been associated with untreated loss of hearing. The value of your hearing to your overall health is supported by new studies being released all of the time. These health problems can be eliminated and in some cases reversed by hearing aids.

And loss of hearing will cost the typical family up to $12,000 every year which should be a very persuasive point. But that expense can actually be lessened by as much as 50% with hearing aids.

For a family that loses out on $12,000 each year, it might simply not be possible for them to afford a hearing aid.

For an individual in need, who can’t afford a hearing aid, your old hearing aids can have a tremendous impact on their financial stability, quality of life, and overall health. It could also help a child in school that has a hard time hearing, which could impact their ability to enter into higher education and make a livable wage when they get older.

Donating Your Used Hearing Aids

There are many volunteer groups and makers who help recycle old hearing aids. Stop by and we can help you find a recycling program. Or you can just give us a call.